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3 All-Star trade targets Memphis Grizzlies must avoid

By Mark Nilon

PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 28: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors in action during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on January 28, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. The Toronto Raptors won 123-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - JANUARY 28: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors in action during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on January 28, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. The Toronto Raptors won 123-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam dribbles up court. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam dribbles up court. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Pascal Siakam

Of late, Pascal Siakam has been a name linked to the Grizzlies as being a realistic trade option to consider. On July 11, Mike Luciano of Raptors Rapture even went as far as to construct what a hypothetical blockbuster transaction between Memphis and Toronto could wind up looking like.

Without a doubt, the 29-year-old is easily one of the most interesting talents when it comes to his astonishing combination of length (6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-3 wingspan) and on-court abilities that allow him to run the floor like a point forward.

However, as has been suggested already in this piece alone, Memphis should seriously consider addressing their wing depth, particularly with individuals who can play defense and, most importantly, shoot the three.

While Siakam is an impressive defender, regardless of his astounding capabilities, he simply does not address these other two aforementioned needs for the club which, frankly, are vital for any team looking to contend.

The two-time All-Star is an inconsistent long-range shooter (boasts a 32.7 percent career clip) and a natural four, which is a position already occupied by fellow star Jaren Jackson Jr.

Even if they did opt to pursue the likes of Siakam, slot him at the four, and, in turn, slide JJJ down to the five, they’d still have zero answers at small forward which, outside of point guard, could easily be argued as the most import position in the game today.

The Grizzlies inquiring about a trade with the Raptors is by no means a far-fetched concept, especially after seeing star Fred VanVleet bolt for the Houston Rockets this summer. That said, there’s a strong argument to be made that Pascal Siakam is not the player GM Zach Kleiman should be pursuing.

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